TB Cases in Balochistan Exceed 18,000; Screening of 3,000 Prison Inmates Completed: Dr. Sher Afghan Raisani

Quetta: Balochistan has recorded a significant rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases, surpassing 18,000 in 2025, according to Provincial Manager of the Balochistan TB Control Program, Dr. Sher Afghan Raisani. He revealed these details during a press conference at the Quetta Press Club alongside prison officials and health program representatives.

Dr. Raisani stated that TB cases increased from 16,000 to over 18,000 this year, with diagnosis and treatment ensured across the province. He said the TB Control Program is operating through 250 centers, offering free testing and treatment. Additionally, through a partnership between the government and private sector, 650 doctors in 20 districts are engaged in TB diagnosis and care.

He added that more than 100 advanced FM microscopes and 30 AI-powered digital X-ray machines have been installed across hospitals to modernize TB screening. Treatment centers for drug-resistant TB have also been increased from three to eleven.

Highlighting a major health initiative, Dr. Raisani said that under directives from Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and the supervision of Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, a historic and comprehensive health screening campaign was conducted in Balochistan’s prisons for the first time.

In September 2025, a total of 2,930 individuals—including 2,558 inmates and 371 prison staff—were screened across 12 prisons. The multi-dimensional screening covered TB, HIV, hepatitis B and C, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle-related risk factors.

Using AI-based digital X-ray screening, 2,930 individuals were examined, with 139 flagged as suspected TB cases. GeneXpert testing was conducted for 104 individuals, confirming 11 TB cases—all of whom were sensitive to medication. No drug-resistant TB cases were reported, and all diagnosed patients were immediately linked to treatment.

In addition, HIV screenings identified 8 positive cases, hepatitis B cases totaled 61, and hepatitis C cases reached 93. Despite women making up only 2.6% of the prison population, hepatitis prevalence was higher among female inmates.

Non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings revealed concerning trends: hypertension was found in 30.9% of adults, high blood sugar in 22.2%, and overweight/obesity in 31% of the screened population. Mental health assessments showed that nearly 50% of individuals suffered from anxiety or depression indicators.

Authorities said the overall initiative marks a major step toward improving public health in confined environments and ensuring timely medical care for inmates and staff across Balochistan.